Saturday, May 31, 2008

Game 57: Texas vs Oakland

I will be at this game. Fireworks to follow.
Tonight's matchup is Scott Feldman vs. Joe Blanton.
Blanton lost his start earlier in the season to the Rangers, going 7 innings and giving up four runs (two earned). The A's are 4-8 when Blanton starts and Joe is 3-6 on the season coming into this game. He has a respectable ERA at 3.92 and in his twelve starts this season, has gone six innings in ten of them, and the two he didn't, he still went 5.2 innings, just barely missing the mark.

In the last three seasons coming into this one, Blanton has been a Ranger killer. He is 6-2 with a 4.83 ERA in ten starts, averaging just under 6 innings a start. The Rangers have knocked a .282 batting average on Blanton.
Rangers to watch:
  • Michael Young 8-28 (286 BA); 2 doubles, 2 HRs and 6 RBIs
  • Frank Catalanatto: 6-20 (300 BA); 1 double and 2 RBIs

As a team, the Ranger roster is batting 36-134 making it a .269 batting average.

Feldman has gone 6 innings or more in each of his last 5 starts. And, he's seen his ERA drop from an even 6.00 to a 4.57 ERA. Here's the really bad news: the Rangers are 1-7 when he starts. His only win this season did come against the A's in which he pitched six shutout innings in route to a 4-0 Ranger win. He comes into this game with a 1-2 record and opponents hit with a .251 batting average on him.

A's to watch:

  • Frank Thomas: 4-10 (400 BA); 2 doubles

Frank's the only one with some at-bats on him. The A's are 11-57 (.193 batting average) off Feldman, with 3 doubles and one HR (by Jack Cust, who also have the only RBIs at two).

Forecast: There's no place like home, right? And that is where Feldman grabbed his win against the A's. Look for Feldman to look like an ace against the A's. Score: 6-1, Rangers.

Home Plate

Friday, May 30, 2008

Game 56: Texas vs Oakland

Ah... the Rangers get an off day and get to play the lowly A's.

Millwood has ten starts for this season. His last two, including the game that sent him to the DL were of 3 innings and .2 innings. Prior to that, Millwood had 7 of 8 starts that had gone 6 innings or more, including a complete game against the Angels that was for a loss. He has a game against the A's that sent him to the DL (the .2 innings) and he gave up only a walk. He really has pitched much better than his 4.88 ERA and 2-3 record indicates, although his ERA has gone up with every start. Opponents are batting .307 against him. In the last three years, Millwood is 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA against Oakland, but last year he was 0-2 against them (and I want to think last year was a "throw away" season).

Players to watch for:

  • Frank Thomas: 12-20 (600 BA); 2 doubles, 2 HRs and 6 RBIs
  • Mark Ellis: 10-26 (385 BA); 1 double
  • Emil Brown: 6-18 (333 BA); 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR and 2 RBIs
  • Mike Sweeney: 4-10 (400 BA); 2 doubles, 1 RBI

As a team, the A's current roster is .341 against Millwood. This is Millwood's first start since returning from the DL.

Justin is a former Ranger, as he played in a Ranger uniform in 2001, but I will have to be honest, I don't remember him from then. This is the first time to be starting since 2003 when he started 3 games for the A's then. In the previous three seasons, he has a 5.06 ERA against the Rangers with a 2-1 record and 4 saves.

He did have a start against Texas back in 2003, where he didn't get a decision but gave up four runs (three earned) in 3.1 innings to give him a 8.10 ERA. The Rangers hit .389 that day, but I am certian that pretty much all those guys have moved on in one fashion or another.

Justin is having a brilliant season to date, posting a 2.16 ERA and holding down a 0.98 WHIP. The Rangers might have a good run at this guy, seeing as how the current roster is 15-41 (2 HRs and 8 RBIs) off of Justin.

Rangers to watch:

  • Michael Young: 8-16 (500 BA); 2 doubles, 1 HR and 2 RBIs

Hank Blalock has over 10 at-bats, but he is recovering from carpel tunnel syndrome and has more rehab due to that. He is also going to be moving to first when he returns, opening up a possibility for a newbie at short or third, depending on what Young decides to do.

Forecast: This one can really be a slug-fest or it could be a nice tight game, depending on the Millwood we get and if the Rangers decide to continue the trend of hitting Justin all sorts of up. What I believe will happen is that good Millwood will show and a good Justin will show up. Not great for either one, but I think there will be some good innings out of these two and Millwood going deep in the game. Score: 5-4, Rangers.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Game 55: Texas at Tampa Bay

This is a repost from a previous attempt... but nothing was actually saved in the process, so I essentially and recreating what I wrote prior...
Matt Garza has one start (1-0) against the Rangers. The Rangers hit him for a .250 average and one HR. He pitched 6.1 innings giving up two runs (one earned). Tampa Bay is 4-4 when he starts. His ERA at home is 2.45, however for the season, it's a 4.06 ERA and his record is 3-1.

Gabbard has one start against Tampa Bay, however it only lasted 1.1 innings before he (and I'm guessing) left with an injury. Not sure on that, but that is my guess. The Rangers are 6-2 when Gabbard starts, but Gabbard is only 1-1 this season. He hasn't gone 6 innings since return from the DL. In his last two starts, he has had control issues, giving up 11 free passes in 7.2 innings.
Forecast: This is going to be a Ranger win, but not for Gabbard. I don't believe he will make it 6 innings today and with recent control issues, I question if he will be even capable of going 5... I could be wrong, but I have no reason to believe so. Score: 7-5 Rangers.

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Clinton Lumberkings vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels

Low-A: Clinton 7, at Cedar Rapids 2
Win: Beavan (4-1, 2.90)

Clinton swept the four-game road series with Cedar Rapids. Under the MWL’s loopy playoff system (split season, two wild cards), Clinton’s magic number is down to 13 after 47 games.

Blake Beavan walked none, struck out four, and allowed two runs (neither earned) in six innings. The runs scored on a sac fly and groundout after a Jonathan Greene error. Beavan has one walk – one! – in 118 batters faced. Lefties are hitting .259/.255/.516 against him, righties .197/.206/.311. Ryan Turner (3.16 ERA) pitched two scoreless innings.

Engel Beltre hit his 3rd homer and singled. Mitch Moreland (.319/.365/.507) went 3-5 with a double, and catcher Justin Pickett thumped a two-run homer and doubled twice. (from Scott Lucas).

Now, something I was able to do: Beavan has 46 Ground Outs to 30 Fly Outs. That's a 1.5-1 ratio, and that's not at all bad. Normally you would see it turn out the other way, more fly-outs to ground-outs. Nice? Nice. Johnny Out.

Game 54: Rangers at Rays

Well, as far as this blog is concerned, they are always to be known as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I have another logo that is just itching to be used, actually several, a couple for Houston and one for Cleveland. When they come back around again, I will be sure to use them.
I feel now that if I don't "pinkify" the opponent, then I just am not serving my public. I am also adding the stuff behind the Rangers, to give them some sizzle or whatnot. Sonnanstine started a game against the Rangers last season and lost after only pitching 4.1 innings giving up 5 runs and 7 hits. That loss dropped him to 1-8 in his first year in the majors. This kid was drafted in 2004 and hit the majors in 2007. You have to give him some kundos for that. On that August day, the Rangers hit .350 with one HR off of Andy.

Now, my last name is Ray. So, I was a bit torn on what to do with the logo, but I finally decided to tinker with is and "pinkify" the thing. Padilla...

Padilla is simply ON FIRE! Both of these jokers come in here with a 6-2 record, so this isn't the Padilla or the Sonnanstine of 2007, per se. The Rangers need to win the next two games to continue the heatness of their winning or splitting a series.

Padilla has been involved in three games against the Rays and the overall outcome is an 0-2 record and a 10.13 ERA. I would easily say this came is a "bullpen" decision. Both pitchers are having a spendid season to date, but both haven't any success against the other team.

Forecast: Rangers get the bats a going, as does the Rays. This is a high-scoring game, with the Rangers on top 12-10.

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The Unhappy Bunt

I got my son's picture taken at a Ranger game earlier this season, he was unhappy, but he did it after much manipulation... in other words, he stood still long enough with the bat in his hand that the reliant guy got the picture taken.

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Game 51: Texas at Cleveland

The Rangers have climbed back to 500, after achieving one game over 500 (Early April, the sweep of Baltimore in a doubleheader put them there) and the plummetting down, they have climbed back up. And I would say that they are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. But they are also facing an extremely strong pitcher in Cliff Lee.
Now, the guy is actually named Cliff Lee. And I really wish the gentleman who sings baritone in a barbershop chorus would be pitching than the real Cliff Lee who pitched nine innings of shutout baseball and got a no-decision.
There are several things that might give the Rangers a chance tonight. One: Cliff Lee is coming off a loss to the Reds on his last start. Two: Cliff Lee has a career ERA of 6.52 against the Rangers and a 3-2 record. Third: the Rangers hit .288 on Lee for a career average.

Feldman doesn't have much numbers on Tribe, but has pitched a career 6.1 innings and given up one run (over five appearances). This will be Feldman's first career start against the Tribe, and the Rangers need for it to be a good one, since the bullpen got wasted last night.

Forecast: It can simply be one of two ways, Feldman stinks it up and the bullpen doesn't play, or Feldman hangs tough for a good six or seven innings and the Rangers have a solid chance. I think the latter will happen, but the Rangers don't end up pulling it off. Tribe takes it 5-2.

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Game 50: Texas at Cleveland

I still have more ideas on what to do to the Cleveland logo. It really is going to be fun. Gabbard has some pressure on his hands. Ten games into the season was the last time the Rangers were at 500. The Rangers have played with touching 500 again with the series against the Twins, but managed a slit in the series. The last eight series the Rangers are 7-0-1, with no sweeps.

Fausto Carmona is a guy I've never even heard of... maybe I've been under a rock, but I just have never heard of this guy. This is his third Major League season, and you would think after a 19-8 season last year, he would have hit my radar. Hit debut season, he went 1-10 but only started 7 games. This year looks to continue what he did last year, as his ERA is better and the BAA is a cozy .243 batting average. He is a career 1-2 against the Rangers in three starts. The Rangers knock a .219 batting average, and hand Carmona a 3.48 ERA. Carmona does well at home. Despite his 3-1 record at the Jake, his ERA is an amazing 1.65... which is mind-boggling, really.

Players to watch for: (Note: the most Ranger at-bats against Carmona is 7)
  • Michael Young: 3-6 (500 BA)
  • Ramon Vazquez: 2-6 (333 BA), 1 double

As a team, the current roster is batting a combined .178 (8-45) with 1 double, 1 HR, and 3 RBIs. Carmona currently has a 2.25 ERA and a 4-1 record coming into tonight's game.

Gabbard... it doesn't seem like he has all that great a chance to win tonight. But, let's take a look-see as to what he has to offer. Now, Gabbard isn't a bad pitcher, by any means. He comes into today's game with a 1-1 record and a 3.12 ERA. Gabbard has already visited the DL this season and upon return was greeted by Richie Sexson on the mound with a hug.

Some day, I just might get bored of doing this. But until then...

The Rangers are 5-2 when Gabbard starts, however in those starts, Gabbard has hit the six inning mark twice, both before the injury occured. The "fight" game and the "injury" game, he pitched a combined 5.2 innings. In his last start, the Rangers lost against Houston. He gave up 9 hits in five innings and walked three. He also gave up five runs in the loss. He has started two games against Cleveland and is 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in 10.1 innings. Cleveland bats .308 against him, but the current roster is 8-28, which amounts to a lower .286 batting average. They, too, have one double, one homerun and 5 RBIs. The most at-bats against Gabbard happens to be a little bit of a five.

Players to Think About:

  • Grady Sizemore: 3-5 (600 BA); 3 RBIs
  • Ryan Garko: 2-5 (400 BA); 1 double

I really feel stupid posting players with these little numbers. 5 at-bats doesn't create a trend. You need more like 15 at-bats to gather a real clue. But I work with what I got.

Forecast: I really want to say that it is more of a bullpen job, since Gabbbard has been inconsistent at best. I believe that this season is going to lead to a more break-out season for him next year. It is more-or-less a game for Carmona to lose. He has displayed an ability of skill to the point that he can only beat himself. I see the Tribe taking this one tonight, but if Gabbard has his A game and Carmona has even his B game, the Rangers could sneak this one through. Score: 4-1 Tribe.

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

God and Baseball

I thought I would post this over here, too. I normally leave all the Bible on my Quiet Times blog.

And Abner said to Job, "Let the young men arise...and play before us" (IISamuel 2:14)
...and the people rose up (Exodus 33.8)
...and Jehosophat was the recorder and Sheva the scribe (IISamuel 20:24-25)
...and they said unto Jephthah, "come and be our [captain]" (Judges 11:6)
...and he measured two lines (IISamuel 8:2)
...and he set bases (I Kings 7:39)
...and they stood every man in his place around the camp (Judges 7:21)
...and behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher (Genesis 24:45)
...Ehud the Benjamite, a man left handed (Judges 3:15)
...the children of Israel said "who shall go up for us first?" (Judges 20:18)
...seek out a man who is a skillfull player (I Samuel 16:16)
...Judah shall go up first (Judges 20:18)
...and Judah took (Judges 1:18)
...three times (Exodus 7:20)
...and it was good (Genesis 1:10)
...and Abram went down (Genesis 12:10)
...out at the base (Leviticus 4:18)
...and Moses smote (Exodus 7:20)
...and it became foul (Exodus 7:20)
...and Moses went out (Numbers 11:24)
...and none came in (Joshua 6:1)
...and there was not a man left (Joshua 8:17)
...and Miriam was shut out (Numbers 12:15)
...and the children of Benjamin went out (Judges 20:31)
...and went into the field (Numbers 22:23)
...and Aaron waved (Leviticus 9:21)
...and he looked this way and that way (Exodus 2:12)
...and he delivered up (Numbers 21:3)
...and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand (Joshua 8:19)
...and they fell on their faces on the ground (Judges 13:20)
...get thee up!, wherefore now art thou fallen upon thy face? (Joshua 7:10)
...for it was an error (Numbers 15:25)
...second and third (Genesis 6:16)
...and Joseph spoke (Genesis 45:3)
...concerning the error which he committed (Leviticus 5:18)
...make an atonement for thy self (Leviticus 9:7)
...thou shalt fan them (Isaiah 41:16)
...then Joseph commanded them to fill their sacks (Genesis 42:25)
...and all the people saw it and then they shouted (Leviticus 9:24)
..."who can stand before the giants?!" (Deuteronomy 9:2)
...and Aaron waved (Leviticus 9:21)
...and pitched on the other side (Numbers 21:13)
...and suffered not a man to pass (Judges 3:28)
...but the seventh (Exodus 31:15)
...Gideon smote (Judges 8:11)
...Israel at first (Jeremiah 33:7)
...and Noah went in (Genesis 7:7)
...and there ran a young man (Numbers 11:27)
...he turned and went back (Judges 26)
...unto the base (Numbers 8:4)
...Noah walked (Genesis 6:9)
...let us go and sacrafice (Exodus 5:8)
...and Moses lifted up his hand and smote with his rod (Numbers 20:11)
...the hide (Leviticus 20:4)
...a long blast (Joshua 6:5)
...outside the camp (Judges 7:17)
...for a 'omer (Exodus 16:36)
...and the men of Israel and of Judah arose and shouted! (I Samuel 17:52)

It's just too funny. Johnny Out.

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Game 49: Texas at Twins

Sidney Ponson going 9 on only 110 pitches. It's always nice to let the bullpen have a rest. And with the Rangers snagging the record of most consecutive games in a row without a complete game, the Rangers have knocked down three long distance rides since taking the record. If I am not mistaken, Millwood and Padilla have the other two.
And speaking of Padilla, he's on the hill this afternoon against Livan Hernandez. Livan seems to change teams quicker than most people can change their underwear. And oddly enouogh, I couldn't find a good headshot of him in his current uniform. So, you get that picture above.

Padilla looks to win his fifth straight decision for the first time in his career Thursday when the Rangers close out a four-game series at the Metrodome against the Minnesota Twins.

Hernandez and Padilla both have a 6-2 record coming into today's game. Hernandez got HAMMERED in his previous start against the Rangers, taking the first of his two loses. He also lost a game in his last start to the Rockies. Hernandez has gone six innings or more in all but his start against the Rangers. He has a 3.88 ERA this season and a career 8.75 ERA against the Rangers. Despite the high ERA, he is still 3-1 in four starts. The Rangers hold a .353 batting average on Livan. Based on numbers, the Rangers roster doesn't hit well, even despite the romping handed out last time. As a team, the Rangers are 23-97 making up a .237 batting average.

Players to Watch for:
  • Marlon Byrd: 7-18 (389 BA); 1 double
  • Michael Young: 2-6 (333 BA); 1 RBI

I've got to tell you... I do not know where the numbers came from on that 10-0 trounce earlier this season. It's a bit strange to be looking at these numbers and the game earlier and it doesn't add up to well.

Padilla. In 10 starts he has 4 beanballs this season. What that means is he is already one short entering today's game. Could he be saving up to use two or three in a game later? Maybe. Or maybe he's just in a good mood. Padilla has better numbers on the surface than Hernandez. His 3.18 ERA and his four wins over his last five starts show that he is solid and consistent (he has one no-decision in there). Over his ten starts this year, the Rangers are 8-2 and seven have been for 6 innings or more. He averages 6.22 innings per start. And he was opposite Hernandez on the 10-0 Ranger win. Padilla also got his complete game that day. Padilla is a career 2-2 against the Twins, whom he has some walk trouble (12 walks in 25.2 innings). He has a career 2.81 ERA and Minnesota bats .200 against Padilla. The current roster is batting .259 with 2 HRs and 16 RBIs.

Players to Look Out for:

  • Mike Lamb: 4-13 (308 BA); 1 HR and 4 RBIs
  • Adam Everett: 4-12 (333 BA); 3 RBIs
  • Brendan Harris: 4-5 (800 BA); 1 RBI (BEANBALL CANDIDATE)
  • Delmon Young: 3-7 (429 BA); 3 RBIs

If Harris is in the lineup, consider him hit. Seriously, 4 out of 5? Hit. Maybe Young if Harris is out.

Forecast: What trend to go with? It is the same matchup from back on April 27th. The Rangers need to win this game to earn a split on the series, the first time they haven't won a series since Being swept in Detroit (April 22-24). I still like the Rangers chances. I think it is wise to take the better pitcher in this case, simply because Padilla has taken this team and is carrying it on his shoulders right now. Rangers win it 7-4.

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Clinton Lumberkings vs. Beloit Snappers

A brilliant effort from Clinton’s Blake Beavan (perfect until allowing a single with two outs in the fifth, finishing with a 5-1-0-0-0-3 line and a 7/4 groundout/flyout ratio) against the Beloit Snappers.

It looks like Beavan is grabbing a win every other game. Not bad for a 19 year old in his first professional season. his next start looks to be on the 26th at Cedar Rapids.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Game 48: Texas at Twins

You know... the pink thing isn't working for the Twins. Maybe I need to take it a step further.
Man, Ponson looks like he's hurting himself in that picture. And I think the pink lipstick on Miguel is a nice touch. I even used a font called "hole-hearted" on Batista's name. Now, onto the important stuff. Wait. I think we have the wrong starter for today... yeah, it's not Batista. It's Blackburn to start. OK. So Pink is NOT Blackburn's color. But he is 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA for the season. He has one career start against the Rangers, going six innings for a no-decision. The Rangers won that game on April 25th 6-5. He did give up 11 hits and five earned runs. the Rangers ended up hitting .423 for that game.

Ponson is 2-0 coming into this game. His ERA of 3.52 is still impressive, at the very least for me. Ponson did not take the loss on his first start of the year, which was to Minnesota. The Rangers lost 12-6 on that April 26th game. Ponson won his first two starts of the Month of May but hasn't picked up a win since. he is a career 9-2 against the Twins, with one complete game shutout. His career ERA is 2.56 against Minnesota.

Players to Watch Out for:
  • Craig Monroe 4-11 (364 BA); 1 double, 1 HR and 3 RBIs
  • Mike Lamb 7-20 (350 BA); 4 doubles, 1 HR and 2 RBIs
  • Delmon Young: 4-8 (500BA); 1 double, 1 HR and 1 RBI

As a team, Minnesota has a .277 batting average against Ponson. That's 28-101 with 8 doubles, 4 HRs, and 11 RBIs.
Forecast: The Rangers finally get things going on the road. Ponson knows how to win against the Twins, proving that once again today. Score: 5-3.

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Dr. Pepper Jr Texas Rangers


Answers to Word Find and Differences Puzzle

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Game 47: Texas at Twins

Well. Yesterday. It went extra innings. And the better team lost. And, as I need to remind anyone out there, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again.
Today, the Rangers send Doug Mathis out to the hill to work a miracle. The kid is about as green as money, at least what money used to look like before the makers of Monopoly took over the Mint. Mathis has three shutout innings in the Majors to complete his whole Major League repertoire. At least he's used to putting up some zeros. His fourth appearance and first ML start, it should be entertaining. At least I hope it will be. I kind of get skeptical on the first start. You don't know how many butterflies are working up in the guy... hopefully by the third start (should he get that far), he'll have worked it out some.

Today, I hate the Twins. And that will also be the case for tomorrow and Thursday, just to cue you all in. I am not going to put up any numbers on Mathis, because I already know there isn't any between him and Minnesota. And it is almost not worth mentioning Perkins, either.

Perkins was originally a bullpen guy and began to start this season for the Twins. He is 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts this season. And that's where we stand. He has 3.2 career innings against the Rangers. That's 11 outs. And he has not given up a run to the Rangers. Now, this can be a good thing or a bad thing... but I have ZERO clue as to what to think. I like Mathis' chances. Perkins has 43.1 career innings more than Mathis. Perkins career ERA is 3.11 higher that Mathis' ERA (which is 0).

Forecast: This is truly a shot in the dark. I'm going with the less greener of the two, Perkins. It will still be a strange game, probably tight: 5-3 Twins.

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Monday, May 19, 2008

Game 46: Rangers at Twins

There is something about screwing with another team's logo that just warms my heart. Now, I know it is early, but I felt that showing the Rangers schedule here was justifible. 12-5 for the month of May deserves some kudos, indeed.


It is also notable that the Rangers now have 10 consecutive road games and then finishes off the month with two at home. So, the Rangers play 83% of the month's remaining games on the road, playing four in Minnesota, three in Cleveland, and three against the Ray's. Minnesota hasn't been playing necessarily well. Cleveland, well it is debatable as to whether they will be around at the All-Star break, and the Ray's are for real (for once). The Rangers have won their last billion series (actually, it is seven), and the question is will the Rangers continue this trend? Minnesota, yes. Cleveland, most likely. Tampa Bay... hard to say, really. It really depends on how good the Ray's are playing when the Rangers show up. Ditto for the Rangers.



The Rangers have won a mess of games and are the hottest team in their division... actually, in the league, really. Everything is really clicking. And it is beneficial to say that the Rangers Scott Feldman is going up against the no-so-hot Boof Bonser.


On paper: Boof Bonser is 2-5 with a 5.37 ERA in 52 innings of work (that's 9 starts). He averages 5.78 innings per start and Minnesota is 4-5 when he starts.

Scott Feldman is 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA in 31.1 innings (4 starts/2 relief). He averages 6.33 innings per start and Texas is 1-5 in games he pitches, 1-3 when he starts.

Both teams come into the series one game under 500, but Minnesota has been struggling and the Rangers haven't been of late.

Feldman, he's been apart of 6 games against Minnesota. It totals to 9.1 innings (all relief) and he's given up 7 runs (6 earned) off of 9 hits. He's got a 5.79 ERA and the Twins hit a .243 against Scotty. He has no record against the Twins.

Players to watch out for:
  • Joe Mauer: 2-2 (1000 BA), 2 RBIs
  • Justin Morneau: 2-5 (400 BA)
  • Michael Cuddyer: 1-3 (333 BA), 1 HR, 3 RBIs

I felt it was a stretch to even put those up there, but 5 at-bats is the tops for the Twins against Feldman. The current Twins roster hits a .235 on Feldman and they have only two extra base hits in the 34 at-bats.

Bonser is still pretty green, along with Feldman. Bonser has three starts to his credit against the Rangers and is 1-2 to show for it. The three starts total up to 13.2 innings, or 4.56 innings per start. The Rangers have hammered him in the past and show a .317 batting average, 19 hits and 14 runs (11 earned), have walked 7 times, and homered three. Bonser's ERA has gone up in each of his last three starts. And for those scoring at home, his ERA against the Rangers is 7.24 and a WHIP of 1.90... both are high and benefit the Rangers.

Players to watch:

  • Michael Young: 3-6 (500 BA); 2 doubles and 1 RBI. (3 walks)
  • Marlon Byrd: 2-3 (667 BA); 1 HR and 4 RBIs.
  • Jarrod Saltalamacchia: 1-2 (500 BA); 1 HR and 1 RBI.

The current Ranger roster bats a decent .343 against Bonser. That's 12-35 with 2 HRs and 8 RBIs. Now, it's time to check the FORECAST. Forecast: Rangers win the opener of the four game series. Bonser does not make it five innings (again) and his ERA is like the Dallas temperature, it's on the rise. Score: 8-3, Rangers.

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Unmotivational Posters





I just thought everyone might enjoy this.

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